"So, Horin… how is it?" Logan asked, wondering how the girl felt—and if maybe, just maybe, he had earned a few friendship points with her. At the very least, he hoped she might be a bit nicer and more responsive.
[Fine… I need to figure out what this is. It's not like my first creature.]
Horin recalled her summon, then turned to look at the Eluwyn, Elaruîn.
[I know, I know. Let me get some of those questions out of the way. Fay, if you would, please go take care of your tasks. I believe you need to help out if you want your own place, so handle that before we begin the hunt.]
Fay reluctantly nodded and walked off, sighing as he went. He didn't really feel like doing chores, but he knew that helping now might give him the chance to choose where he and Mira would live.
Two hours later—after cutting enough wood and clearing sections of land that were already somewhat barren—he had finally carved out a spot for himself. The villagers didn't have enough tents for everyone, so Fay had only managed to set up a small roof supported by four logs.
He had Grin dig out large holes and help move the heavy logs into place. They weren't allowed to build more than that per person; the Eluwyn were strict about such things. Even the leader didn't go against this rule. He had, however, in this short amount of time constructed three homes: one for himself, one for sacred rituals and the elders, and one last for children and those unable to provide for themselves.
Fay had actually watched how the others built their shelters, trying to understand what he needed to do. He just didn't have enough strength to make one properly on his own—and his beast, as powerful as it was, proved too clumsy for the finer tasks.
"Mira? What do you think? Can we live here?" Fay asked his sister, who was busy collecting stones to place as walls for some reason.
"It's fine. We'll be able to live here. Now we need bigger walls."
"Don't worry, we'll have them up soon. For now, we'll have to make do with this and the blankets we were given…"
That was when Fay spotted his teacher, but he wasn't alone. He was accompanied by others who looked much like him, the only noticeable difference being their light, earthy-colored hair.
Everyone from the Ravari Tribe began gathering to see what was happening. Fay and Mira were no exception; they moved closer to the source of the commotion.
[For now, we are neighbors, but we know you are nomads. So, we extend our hand to help you today, Ravari—knowing that tomorrow, it may be us who must reach for yours.]
A few minutes later, creatures that followed the Eluwyn began bringing in food and supplies—everything from simple blankets to dried meat and even prepared meals.
[Today, we honor our reunion. We remember the last time our paths crossed in peace. Let us share in this moment, brief though it may be—for unity, too, must be nourished.]
Fay, who had just been standing there watching, was soon handed a set of supplies. What helped him most was a bundle of long leaves—strong as any hide—stitched together in a way that formed flexible, sturdy walls.
With their help, he was able to turn his simple frame into a small hut, just big enough for him and his sister.
[How about it, boy? I believe that even if you are a hum, you'll become someone great. The elder told us you would be assisting him, but there's something else we need your help with. You see, we made this tent a little larger… because we noticed you have a child with you. And, well, we found two others like your sibling.]
Fay's eye twitched as he processed their words. "Wait. What do you mean, like my sibling?"
[Small, fragile, and also a hum…] The silver-haired Eluwyn woman smiled gently. [We, Eluwyn, live high in the trees and move freely with the help of spirits. But these two… they cannot. If they remain with us, they won't survive.]
"So, you're just… giving them to me?" Fay blinked. "Just like that?"
[Not giving. Entrusting,] she corrected softly. [Think of them as siblings. Don't hums help one another? We, Eluwyn, see it that way. You already care for one, so perhaps you can care for three.]
"I'm twelve," Fay muttered. "Twelve. You're asking a twelve-year-old to take care of three kids?"
[You seem capable. The elder said you have potential—not just in summoning, but in heart.]
"That's exactly the kind of thing people say before dumping a problem on you…"
Fay sighed. He didn't want to outright reject his new teacher's request.
A younger Eluwyn with leafy green braids chuckled softly behind her hand. [Worry not. We know you don't have much, so we'll help you. Just… speak to them for now.]
Before Fay could reply, two small children were gently ushered inside his tent—both wide-eyed and nervous. One clutched a worn cloth doll; the other had tear streaks down her cheeks.
"Mira?" Fay turned to his sister, who had been rearranging their blankets. "They're… what do you think?"
She looked at the children, then at him. "That's fine! But they can't have my corner."
"Wait—what? Why do you need a corner?" Fay grumbled, dragging a hand down his face.
"Fine. You two—what are your names?"
The boy mumbled, "Tomo…"
The girl followed with a shy, "Rina."
"Alright, Tomo, Rina… I'm Fay. This is Mira. Welcome. Now come sit—they made your beds, and you both look exhausted."
Mira giggled. "Haha! You have a doll!"
Rina blushed and held it tighter, saying nothing.
Fay sighed again and looked at the Eluwyn, still standing at the entrance. "When can I speak with Elaruîn?"
[Tomorrow. Tonight, you should feast. These two have already eaten and usually sleep around this time, so don't worry,] the silver-haired woman said with a smile as she handed Mira some food.
"And my share?"
[You need to join us for that. These three need rest. Now stay with them until we call for you… Fay.]